Association of Independent Festivals welcomes new CEO 

JOHN ROSTRON is to become CEO of the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) this month. 

Rostron, Co-Founder of Cardiff’s Sŵn Festival, will take over from PAUL REED, who announced his departure earlier this year. 

Rostron is also former CEO of the Welsh Music Foundation and Co-Founder of the Welsh Music Prize. He is currently Chair and Founder of the Association of Independent Promoters (AIP), but will step down from this role upon assuming his position at AIF. 

Rostron said it’s a great honour to take on the new role at a time of great importance for festivals.  

“Festivals are facing numerous challenges as they grapple with pricing alongside growing costs across the supply chain, all while music fans themselves face a cost-of-living crisis,” he added. 

“Add to that a vital renewed focus on climate action, audience welfare and diversity, equity and inclusion, and there are plenty of ways that AIF can and will make a meaningful difference for its members.”

Rostron is welcomed alongside four new members to the organisation’s Board of Directors. They include Eskimo Dane CEO STEVEN CAMPELL and Zenfest Director STEFAN POELMAN.

They will be joined by Vision Nine Festivals and Marketing Director SUZE BAYLISS and Managing Director of festival and events company New Bohemia Music JOE BARNETT.